the blue blog archives: christmas cowl-ing

Well, I've finally made some progress on the cowl. I'm double stranding the Prime Alpaca like I did with hubby's hat, but instead of using US6's, I'm using US8's in the hope of making it a little softer. I want it to have some drape instead of being stiff like his super warm hat.

So here it is about 10 inches done and rolled over like a collar. I took Peg's basic cowl pattern (posted last week on Wendy's site) and cast on for about 30" around in a ribbing (3x3 rib). My first (600 yd.!) skein of alpaca has run out at this point so I have to ball up another giant skein before I can continue. Man, it takes a lot of yarn to make one of these!

posted by alison at 8:45 am | in a christmas story

Comments

Hey, I guess cowls are the new multidirectional scarf this week, today I have a post about one, too. Mine is less substantial than yours. I bet yours is super-soft and cozy.

Posted by: michelle at December 19, 2003 8:57 AM

You know, that's actually not a bad idea for something for me to do with the alpaca I spun up myself... it's too heavy (i think) for much in the way of lace, but I bet something like that would be delicious!

Posted by: Sammi at December 19, 2003 10:53 AM

I've enjoyed reading your blog so much - you're making great progress on your cowl - hope you enjoy making and wearing it as much as I've enjoyed making and wearing mine! Happy Holidays to you and your Family.

Posted by: Peg at December 19, 2003 11:05 AM

That is SUCH a neat accessory. I see them here all the time; a great alternative to a scarf. And 3x3 rib! I admire your patience and persistance :-)

P.S. Yikes! I'm really going to miss reading your blog and seeing your photos while I'm away. I'll keep peeking in until the last min, though!

Posted by: Becky at December 19, 2003 2:54 PM

Cowls are back! I remember my mother telling me about these as a teen saying they were the greatest things ever and I looked at her like "yeah, right." Next thing you know, everyone will be knitting "dickies." (It's a cowl with a front and back flap to fit over the chest. I thought they were the dorkiest things ever. Functional, though.) I've had my eye on a neckwarmer from IK for awhile. Maybe it's time to break out the alpaca. :)

Posted by: Kerstin at December 19, 2003 4:17 PM

Neat cowl.

I'm all done!!! All done Christmas knitting. No more.....

Have a great weekend.

Posted by: Uli at December 19, 2003 4:34 PM

Oh, Sammi, what a wonderful idea to make yourself a cowl in your own hand-spun alpaca. Heaven!

Kerstin, I kept admiring that very same neck warmer. It's so lovely, it stopped me thinking that cowls are silly 70's things to go with your legwarmers.

And if the IK neck warmer isn't enough to convince you all that cowls can be beautiful, check out Michelle's - it is gorgeous!

Thanks again Peg, for the guidance!

Posted by: alison at December 19, 2003 7:54 PM